23/01/2011  Shatin  Race 4

At declaration time, G Mossé was declared as the rider of both HAPPY FOREVER and DANEWIN TIGER. It was established that G Mossé had a firm commitment to ride HAPPY FOREVER. As such, the Stewards permitted Apprentice M L Yeung to be substituted as the rider of DANEWIN TIGER. For this declaration error, G Mossé was fined $2,000. On arrival at the barriers, the tongue ties applied to both SUPREME KNIGHT and DANEWIN TIGER were refitted. FUN AND FAST was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of BINGO BINGO which shifted out after being bumped by AMBITIOUS TREASURE. After the 800 Metres, SUPREME KNIGHT was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that in its previous starts when ridden in a forward position, VICTORY GENERAL had not finished off its races. He said therefore today, from the outside barrier, it was decided to ride VICTORY GENERAL quietly in the hope that it would be able to close off the race. He said in the Straight VICTORY GENERAL, which has an awkward head carriage, finished off the race fairly and passing the 100 Metres shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of QUELLE SURPRISE. He said, in his opinion, VICTORY GENERAL finished off the race today better than it did at its previous starts. When questioned, Apprentice T H So said that he had been instructed to shift FUN AND FAST to the outside of runners in the Straight as the horse had previously finished off its races well when ridden in this manner. He said passing the 600 Metres although there was an opportunity for him to improve his position along the rails, he shifted FUN AND FAST out to follow LOMBARDI as he believed this horse was a strong chance in the race. He added when shifted to the outside, FUN AND FAST finished off the race fairly, however, near the 150 Metres was steadied away from the heels of SUGAR ON TOP which at this time shifted out. Trainer L Ho said that he had instructed Apprentice So to shift FUN AND FAST out rounding the Home Turn and, if possible, to follow LOMBARDI in the Straight. He said that FUN AND FAST has shown itself to be a horse which appreciates being given unimpeded running and has been reluctant to improve amongst other horses in its races. A veterinary inspection of MY MEMORY after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BINGO BINGO, which finished tailed out, after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, BINGO BINGO will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LOMBARDI and SUPREME KNIGHT were sent for sampling.